Overview (4)

Mini Bio (1)

Vera Lynn was born on March 20, 1917 in East Ham, London, England as Vera Margaret Welch. She was previously married to Harry Lewis.

Spouse (1)

Harry Lewis

(1941 -
1998) ( his death) ( 1 child)

Trivia (19)

She was the subject of the song "Vera" from the concept album "The Wall" by the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, which was subsequently adapted into a film, Pink Floyd: The Wall (1982). It refers to her famous 1939 song "We'll Meet Again".

She was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1969 Queen's New Year Honours List and the DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1975 Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Released a comeback single in the 70s called "Don't You Remember When" which was written and produced by Lynsey de Paul.

Had a radio show during the war for the BBC titled 'Sincerely Yours' where she sang requests in the form of a letter to troops overseas, visited their wives and visited the troops abroad in Burma.

Had a hugely successful music career. Which included being the first British female to top the American Billboard charts with "Auf Wiederseh'n Sweetheart" in 1952. That same year she had 3 top ten hits in the first ever official UK Singles chart on November 14th 1952. In 1957 she topped the UK Singles chart with "My Son, My Son" which featured the Frank Weir Orchestra.

On 13th September 2009 her greatest hits collection, "We'll Meet Again - The Very Best of Vera Lynn", topped the UK album chart, making her the oldest artist ever to do so, aged 92.

Made many trips to remote camps near the front during World War II, in the Pacific theater of operation; to entertain and visit the troops.

She is now widowed and residing in Ditchling in East Sussex. [June 2004]

She was awarded the CH (Companion of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2016 Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services to entertainment and charity in East Sussex, England.

Used her grandmother's maiden name as her stage name.

Vera Lynn said she has plans to release a new album to celebrate her 100 birthday.

Personal Quotes (3)

I've never claimed to be a great singer but I've always given my best, and I've loved what I've done, and had a very good life.

You hear people go on about unpopular wars, but show me a popular one. Nobody in their right mind wants to go to war, but when it happens you have to get behind your troops.

I got so many letters. I still get them now, and I'm always moved by them. It seemed extraordinary that soldiers would come back from the war and write to thank me for what I had done. It made me feel very humble, and that's why I've always done everything I can to thank them back.